The Army's Most Crime-Ridden Post

Fort Hood, a United States Army base in Central Texas, recently renamed Fort Cavazos, has a troubling history of violent crimes and systemic issues. From shocking murders to disturbing misconduct, here are five notable crimes committed at this military installation.

1. Mass Shooting by Army Psychiatrist

First responders prepare the wounded for transport in waiting ambulances near Fort Hood's Soldier Readiness Processing Center Nov. 5.

On Nov. 5, 2009, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, a U.S. Army psychiatrist, carried out a mass shooting at Fort Hood, resulting in 13 deaths and over 30 injuries, mostly among unarmed soldiers. Hasan, armed with a semi-automatic pistol, shouted "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire inside a processing center where soldiers were receiving medical screenings. The attack, lasting about 10 minutes, ended when Hasan was shot by civilian police and taken into custody. This incident is noted as the worst mass shooting at a U.S. military installation.

2. Triple Homicide Involving Spc. Freddy Delacruz

In March 2020, Spc. Freddy Delacruz, his pregnant girlfriend Asia Cline, and Army veteran Shaquan Allred were shot and killed in an apartment in Killeen, just outside Fort Hood. This tragic incident was one of multiple homicides that occurred within a short period, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of soldiers both on and off the base. Delacruz's death deeply affected his family, who continue to seek justice.

3. The Murder of Vanessa Guillen

Vanella Guillen in 2018

The brutal murder of Spc. Vanessa Guillen in April 2020 shocked the nation and highlighted the issues at Fort Hood. Guillen was bludgeoned to death by fellow soldier Spc. Aaron Robinson, who later took his own life. Her disappearance and death brought international attention and led to calls for extensive reforms in handling sexual harassment and assault cases at the base. Guillen had confided in her family about being sexually harassed but was too afraid to report it, underscoring a toxic culture at Fort Hood. A later review revealed that the Army investigators responsible for handling complex crimes at Fort Hood were inexperienced, overwhelmed, and understaffed, which resulted in their inability to adequately protect service members and their families. Consequently, the Army disciplined 14 senior officers at the base.

4. The Killing of Pfc. Brandon Rosecrans

In May 2020, Pfc. Brandon Rosecrans was found shot to death in Harker Heights, a suburb of Killeen. His body was discovered on the side of a residential road, and his vehicle was found burning a few miles away. A civilian, Brandon Olivares, was later arrested and charged with Rosecrans' murder. The crime stemmed from a disagreement over the sale of a gun, highlighting the dangerous situations soldiers can find themselves in, even when they are off duty.

5. Unsolved Case of Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales

Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales went missing in August 2019, just days before he was set to leave the Army. His remains were discovered in a field in Killeen in June 2020, nearly a year after his disappearance. Initially labeled a deserter, Wedel-Morales' status was later changed, allowing his family to bury him with full military honors. The investigation into his death continues, adding to the list of unresolved cases linked to Fort Hood.

In 2023, the base was renamed Fort Cavazos to honor Gen. Richard Edward Cavazos, a Korean and Vietnam War veteran from Texas with Mexican-American heritage. Regardless of its new name, the base has seen an alarming number of violent crimes, prompting calls for reform and greater accountability. The ongoing investigations and efforts to improve safety and leadership are crucial steps toward addressing these deep-rooted problems.

References: Texas' long troubled Fort Hood is renamed after first Hispanic four-star general | Why is Fort Hood the Army's most crime-ridden post? | Army major kills 13 people in Fort Hood shooting spree